25

Jul

SC allows rape survivor to abort 24-week-old abnormal foetus

The Supreme Court Monday allowed a rape survivor to abort her 24-week-old abnormal foetus, on the ground that continuance of pregnancy would gravely endanger her physical and mental health.

The apex court gave benefit of the exception in law of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, which allows abortion after 20 weeks only in case if there is grave danger to the life of a mother.

A bench comprising Justice J S Khehar and Arun Mishra said, the court grants liberty to the petitioner and if she desires to terminate the pregnancy, she is permitted.

During the hearing, a report of seven-member medical board which has diagnosed the health of the woman was tabled before the bench in a sealed cover.

The apex court said, the medical board has found serious abnormalities in the foetus which is around 24 weeks old and has opined grave risk to the mother’s life if pregnancy is allowed to continue. It said, that board has recommended that the termination of pregnancy can be done.